A 19-year-old dengue patient died in Patna.

A 19-year-old dengue patient died in Patna.

Patna, August 30: A 19-year-old dengue patient died in Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) Patna on Thursday.

Dr Sanjay Kumar, the medical superintendent of NMCH said: “The victim, named Aryan Kumar, a resident of Patna Sahib was admitted to the hospital on August 24 with the symptoms of dengue and jaundice. His platelet counts were also decreasing and eventually, he died on Thursday. This marks the third death due to dengue this year.”

The cases of dengue have been increasing during the monsoon session, with the Bihar health department having registered 646 positive cases so far.

On Thursday, 18 patients tested positive in Patna.

Dr Subhash Chandra Prasad, the district infectious disease control officer of Patna said: “15 to 20 new dengue patients testing positive in the last one week. The total number of positive patients is 240 this year.

In Patna, several localities like Agam Kuan, Kadam Kuan, Patliputra Colony, Kankar Bagh, and others, have become hotspots for dengue, reporting the highest numbers of patients.

Also Read: Vector-borne disease cases rising in Bihar.

“We observe a surge in dengue cases during every monsoon session. Hence, we have established dedicated wards for dengue patients in every government hospital and medical college in Patna to provide free of cost treatment to patients,” Prasad said.

He also said that the health department is working closely with the civic agencies to carry out fogging operations in affected areas to minimize the threat of mosquito breeding and prevent the spread of the disease.

The dedicated dengue wards are established in Patna Medical College and Hospital, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna AIIMS, Sadar Hospital, Gardanibag Hospital, Danapur Subdivisional Hospital and others. 

“Dr Vijay Kumar, a prominent general physician of Patna said: “Patients suffering from dengue typically experience high fever, which can significantly impact platelet counts, causing them to decrease rapidly. If a patient’s platelet count falls below 25, 000, the risk of internal bleeding becomes higher.”

To address this, the health department has arranged for the availability of platelets in all hospitals. Blood banks have been also instructed to remain vigilant and preserve platelets.

The doctors have advised dengue patients to drink fresh fruit juice, ORS, Juice of Papaya leaf and water as much as possible to recover from the illness.

EOM.